MOD: Victim Witness Care Unit

  Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) - GOV.UK

Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness & Recovery Programme – 3 Jun to 22 Jul

Aurora New Dawn’s Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness/Recovery Group is military specific and all online via zoom.  This programme is for 8 weeks taking place on Tuesday evenings 3 Jun to 22 Jul, and is open to serving personnel and families worldwide. 

Details of how to sign up are on the poster, and to find out more about Aurora New Dawn’s support to the Service community, are available on this link. 

Candle in The Wind VE Day Celebrations 2025

 

Sunday services at St Boniface Garrison church

6th April – 10:30 Holy Communion 5th Sunday of Lent St Boniface

13th April – 10:30 Holy Communion Palm Sunday St Boniface

18th April – 3:00 pm Good Friday reflection Good Friday St Boniface

20th April – 10:30 Holy Communion with celebration of Easter Easter Day St Boniface

Children and families welcome, refreshments after the service

Any question please contact Padre Nick on +40 1722 595317

The Holy Week services are mostly in collaboration with the local German churches.

 Peace be with you, Friede sei mit Dir,

Have you shared your views on Service family life? Time’s running out!

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2025 closes in 1 week! Don’t miss your opportunity to tell us what you think about Service family life.

Each year, Defence invites a random sample of Service partners to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS). This survey is your chance to tell us about your experiences and views in relation to various aspects of Service family life.

You can see if you are in this year’s sample, and can access the survey, by using the online tool. The survey closes on Monday 7 April 2025 at 23:59.

Why complete the survey?

Your feedback will help us to understand what Service life is like for your family, which will help us to make informed decisions on what changes to prioritise and develop policies to address your family’s challenges and needs. Whether it’s with childcare and children’s education, housing, deployment, or employment.

Who can complete the survey, and how?

To find out if you can take part in FamCAS 2025, please use the online eligibility tool. You will be asked to enter a token/access code, which is your partner’s Service number. This is needed for security reasons only. Please be assured that all survey responses are anonymous.

If eligible, the tool will direct you to the survey. We recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

If you have any questions about this year's FamCAS, please email: Analysis-Surveys-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk.

Information and support

Check out our new Families Hub, which signposts to support, guidance and organisations to help you navigate Service family life.

Visit Discover My Benefits to find out about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support for you and your family.

Local Guide for British Pasport Applications

Sennelager Garrison Entitled Personnel:

 A reminder of the process in place to apply for British passports online for entitled personnel serving overseas.

 

A local instruction has been created and can be found on ModNet, on the Sennelager GSU RAO - Home page, under the "Passport Application Process" Thumbnail. This process must be followed to ensure entitled personnel do not incur overseas postage costs and are authorised to claim the passport fees through their normal claims processes (e.g. through JPA, MyHR, etc.).

 

The Head of Household (HoH) is to email SennelagerGSU-HQ-RAO-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk with information as directed to obtain an FOC before applying online for themselves and/or their entitled family members.

 

For more information, please go to the GSU RAO Homepage, the Sennelager Garrison TEAMS site or Unit Part 1 Orders on ModNet.

 

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 is open!

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 – which hears from Service spouses and civil partners about their views on Service family life – is now open!  

Take part in this year’s tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) and help Defence to understand your experiences and thoughts across a broad range of areas. Your feedback will help Defence to make changes and develop policies to better meet your needs. 

The survey invites a random sample of civil partners and spouses of regular serving personnel to take part. To see if you’ve been invited to complete the survey, and to access the survey, please check the online eligibility tool.

Defence launches the Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life

The Families Hub – which signposts to information, support and organisations to help navigate all stages of Service family life – has launched.

For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.

The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) families and personnel – from the moment of entering the Forces, through to leaving.

Visit the Families Hub today and explore a range of topics, including partner support, housing, health and wellbeing, childcare and finance.

New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship

If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life. 

Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025.

Please note that this survey is open to the entire LTR population, and is separate to the LTR Overseas pilot scheme survey that is also currently ongoing.

Tips and advice on handling fireworks from Paderborn Stadt Authorities

So that New Year's Eve ends without any nasty surprises


Tips and advice on handling fireworks

Fireworks must be handled with extreme caution
© Christian Schwier-Germany / fotolia.com


The year will end in a few days. As the end of the past year and the start of the new year, rockets will light up the dark night sky in many places. But what should be taken into account when setting off New Year's Eve fireworks? When can firecrackers, rockets, etc. be bought and set off?

Category 2 fireworks, which include rockets, fountains, or firework batteries, can be bought in retail stores from December 29 to 31. According to the Explosives Act, these are fireworks that have a low noise level, for example, and are intended for use outdoors. 

They can be set off on December 31 and January 1 by people who have reached the age of 18. However, Category 2 fireworks may not be set off near churches, hospitals, children's and old people's homes, or particularly fire-sensitive buildings and facilities such as half-timbered or wooden houses or gas stations.

Category 1 fireworks (so-called children's fireworks) can be bought and used all year round in Germany by minors aged 12 and over.
They are popular at New Year's Eve, but they are not without danger.

“Hands off illegal or homemade fireworks,” advises the Paderborn District Regulatory Office. There is a risk of serious injuries.

Only fireworks that have been type-tested by a notified body such as the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing are safe to handle when used as intended. Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark. (Source: BAM)

Marc Hammerstein, head of the district fire brigade and technical centre in Büren-Ahden, advises from the fire and rescue service perspective that parents should urgently warn their children about the danger of unexploded firecrackers.

 "Unfortunately, there have been repeated accidents here in recent years with very serious injuries," says Hammerstein.

While we understand the need for a boisterous New Year's Eve celebration, district veterinarian Dr. Ralf Lang also asks for consideration for wild and domestic animals. Fireworks should therefore only be set off at the turn of the year and not hours or days before or after.

"Then the animals don't suffer from constant stress," explains Lang. The expert advises pet owners to bring cats into the house early and to keep dogs and cats in a place in the house that is as protected from noise as possible. 

Since horses and cattle can also react with fear, "it goes without saying that no fireworks should be set off near farms and stables and that pet owners should keep an eye on their animals," stresses the district veterinarian.

To ensure that New Year's Eve does not end in hospital or the fire brigade having to be called out, the district fire brigade headquarters has put together a series of important tips and advice on how to handle fireworks.

Fireworks do not belong in children's hands!Only use fireworks that have been approved by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark in conjunction with the identification number of the testing center that monitors the manufacturer's quality assurance. BAM has the Europe-wide identification number 0589.- Carefully read and follow the instructions printed on the packaging!

• Never modify or open fireworks yourself!
• Only use firecrackers and rockets outdoors!
• Maintain a safe distance from people, buildings, trees and motor vehicles!
• Only fire rockets vertically; find a safe place to stand!
• Do not fire rockets in strong winds!
• Throw away lit firecrackers immediately after lighting them or move away!
• Do not leave unused rockets or firecrackers lying around. They can still ignite even after several minutes!
• Fireworks can ignite clothing, open pockets or hoods are particularly dangerous!
• Never throw fireworks at people or objects or aim rockets at people!
• Rockets can be blown off course by just a short gust of wind. Therefore, close windows, balconies and doors so that nothing from outside lands in your living room and can cause fires. It is best to also tidy up the balcony and not leave anything that is easily flammable!

Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water ready. In an emergency, call 112.

The Longest Yarn - A Thread Through History

The Longest Yarn is an 80 metre 3D knitted/crocheted work depicting The Longest Day, 6th June 1944, in time for the 80th Anniversary.

The exhibition is coming to the following locations (please check individual websites for timings and further information):

• Tewkesbury Abbey - Sat 7 Dec-Thu 9 Jan
• St Macartins, Enniskillen - Mon 13 Jan-Sat 8 Feb
• Norwich University Memorial Library - Mon 10 Feb-Sat 1 Mar
• Peterborough Cathedral - Mon 3 Mar-Tue 3 Apr​

Service times for Advent season 2024

Here are the dates and times for this years services at St Bonniface and Loseke Community Centre

15th December – 10:30  Holy Communion Third Sunday of Advent St Boniface

22nd December – 10:30 Teddy bear Nativity Service Bring a teddy/soft toy dressed to play a part St Boniface

24th December – 16:00 Carol Service Carols for Christmas Community Centre

24th December – 23:30 Holy Communion Midnight Mass St Boniface

25th December – 10:30 Celebration of Christmas The joy of Christmas St Boniface

29th December – 10:30 Holy Communion First Sunday of Christmas St Boniface

4th January – 10:30 Holy Communion Second Sunday of Christmas St Boniface

Your Armed Forces Offer explained

The Defence Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of Service life, and the vital work our people do to keep us safe at home and strong abroad.

​​Find out more about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support available to you: Discover My Benefits

Those with access to MODnet can also view the full article at: 

• Defnet: Your Armed Forces Offer explained (sharepoint.com)
• Defence Connect: Your Armed Forces Offer explained | Defence Connect (mod.uk)

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas Offer - Available from January 2025

Eligible working parents (at least one of whom is a member of the Armed Forces) with children aged between 4-11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of certain disability benefits) in school (including home educated children) will be able to claim back the costs of regulated wraparound childcare for a maximum of 20 hours per week, per eligible child, during term time. 

Service Prosecuting Authority welcomes HMCPSI inspection report

“We hope this report will reassure the public, members of the Armed Forces, and the Defence community that the SPA is performing well and making a meaningful contribution to Service Justice” 

Director of Service Prosecutions, Jonathan Rees KC reflects on the publication of an inspection report on the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).

​To view more about the Service Prosecuting Authority, and additional information on this report, please go to: Service Prosecuting Authority - GOV.UK

The report can be read in full at this link: The Service Prosecuting Authority – HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate

Xmas Wreath making 2024

 

29th Nov & 1st Dec 

Foliage, ring and craft is included for the wreath. Additional decorations must be supplied by yourself.  Cost from 2 -6 Euro.

DEFENCE FIRE SERVICE SENNELAGER – EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER

Defence Fire Service (DFS) Sennelager – Emergency Telephone Number

 

There is an issue with the DFS Sennelager Emergency Tel number, +49 (0) 5254 982 2444 and is in the process of being rectified. If it Is not working the following process must be followed:

 

1. Dial: +49 (0) 5254 982 2367. If this fails call. 
2. The Fire Station Duty Mobile Tel Number: +49 (0) 1738 873725 .If this fails, call:
3. German Fire Service (Feuerwehr) on 112 

What's On

Here is your handy calendar for what's on in our area and all of Germany.

We keep this page updated so make sure to bookmark the URL and check the details each week.

31st Jul - Dec 2024 - Wildcat feeding sessions - NABU Wildcat centre Harz mountains


The wildcat enclosure in Bad Harzburg offers visitors a unique insight into the life of the shy animals. During feeding times, all wildcats are likely to be seen.

Every Wednesday at 4pm - Games Zone at Paderborn City Library - Young people can take part in gaming events.

14th - 16th Nov Winterzauber Kassel - Two weekends this year to enjoy the Winterzauber. 

15th Nov Essen International Christmas Market

Stroll through the park and the Orangierie to enjoy this early Christmas treat which guarantees to bring all the Christmas feels, tickets Euro 12pp. Kassel is a 1hr 10mins drive from Sennelager.

22nd Nov - 23rd Dec - Weihnachctsmarkt Paderborn

30th Nov Winterberg ISBF Europa Cup Skeleton 2024 - Watch some of the fastest and bravest athletes in the world speed down the Veltins Eis Arena track.

8th Dec Wheinachtszauber Schloss Neuhaus

11th Dec - 8th Jan - Paderborn Christmas Circus the ever popular circus is back in 2024 with more shows added this year to cope with the demand. Two performances daily. Book tickets online early to avoid disappointment

26th - 31st Dec - Urbantix - Essen - The massive celebration Of BMX, street dance and performance comes to Essen. tickets for each day are on sale now.

Little Troopers announces Christmas Smiles plans for December

 

Missing Katrice Exhibition